MANAGER Martin O'Neill is banking on the roar of the Holte End to help Villa pull off an elusive FA Cup victory against Manchester United.

MANAGER Martin O'Neill is banking on the roar of the Holte End to help Villa pull off an elusive FA Cup victory against Manchester United.

O'Neill believes his players are up for the challenge and has promised they will attack the game on the front foot.

But he knows another bumper gate, albeit nowhere near a sell-out, could give his side a huge helping hand.

"The Villa supporters have done us proud this season, no question. And the players have responded with big performances," said O'Neill.

"The heart they have shown and the ability has been a fine combination.

"Whether we can sustain that level of support through the years is another matter, but we have to try to stay with it."

Villa head into the game on the back of two straight wins and three draws, but even after taking four points from Chelsea, they know they face the sternest test of their season since losing heavily to United in October.

"The Christmas period was quite rewarding, considering the games we played," said O'Neill.

"Now we have an FA Cup tie against Manchester United and that is not what I would call respite.

"But we are playing with confidence, desire and a bit of heart. And we are looking forward to the game.

"We will try to get the crowd behind us. We will play the game positively, which we try to do anyway.

"I think United will be set up as strong as they possibly can be, and that means we will have some very good players up against us.

"But we will give it our best. We know the importance of a good run in the competition."

O'Neill never lost too much sleep over Villa's 4-1 league defeat at Villa Park in October.

"They came back very strongly in the game. They had a 15-minute spell where they scored three goals in nine minutes just before half-time.

"Then the game was effectively over when we were reduced to 10 men and then nine men very quickly.

"But it would not be a game that I would gauge this one on."

The fact the tie is live on BBC TV, and comes hot on the heels of big games against Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs means it will be some way down on capacity.

Villa, though, will refrain from putting tickets on general sale.

"We could have sold out twice over but want to make sure tickets go to Villa fans for the sake of their safety and comfort," said a club spokesman.

United have sold their 6,500 allocation. Villa fans with a booking history can still get tickets by calling 0800-612 0970.